HIV type and subtype detection

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the detection of HIV by amplification and PCR-based methods.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of HIV and HIV subtypes. More precisely, the invention relates to the detection of HIV types and subtypes, and especially to the multiplex detection of HIV types and subtypes.

BACKGROUND ART

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus responsible for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and belongs to the human retrovirus family. AIDS is now considered as one of the greatest threats to human health. An HIV-infected individual can transmit the disease, although remain asymptomatic for years.

The suspected etiological agent responsible for AIDS was independently identified in 1983-1984 by several research groups (see e.g. Barre-Sinoussi et al., Science 220:868-871; Montagnier et al., in Human T-Cell Leukemia Viruses (Gallo, Essex & Gross, eds.); Vilmer et al., The Lancet 1:753), and HIV nomenclature was subsequently unified.

The HIV family comprises several types and subtypes. HIV1 viruses can be classified according to subtypes. Examples of HIV1 sub-types include HIV1-M and HIV1-O. Similarly, HIV2 viruses encompass various sub-types, e.g. HIV2-A and HIV2-B.

For drug development assays, prophylaxis, as well as for treatment of AIDS, it has now become of great importance to be able to quickly and easily identify and quantify the group(s), type(s) and subtype(s) of HIV viruses present in a given sample.

By HIV group, we herein understand any HIV group, irrespective of it being known at the priority date or not. Various HIV groups are known in the art, and are described in the corresponding literature and databases, e.g. ncbi on the internet. Examples thereof include HIV1-M and HIV1-O.

By HIV subtype, we herein understand any HIV subtype, irrespective of it being known at the priority date or not. Various HIV subtypes are known in the art, and are described in the corresponding literature and databases, e.g. ncbi on the internet.

By HIV isolate, we herein understand any HIV isolate or strain, irrespective of it being known at the priority date or not. Various HIV isolates are known in the art, and are described in the corresponding literature and databases, e.g. ncbi on the internet. Some isolates are regarded as references. Examples thereof include K03455, L20587 and M30502.

A possible approach could rely on the development of specific antibodies. However, in terms of sensitivity and specificity, a PCR-based approach usually looks very promising. Also, it generally offers the possibility to work on small samples.

Amplification methods, especially polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-based methods, e.g. reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) and PCR are known in the art (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Maniatis, Fritsch, and Sambrook, CSHL Press; Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts et al.; PCR Primer: A Laboratory Manual, Dieffenbach and Dveksler, CSHL Press; The Polymerase Chain Reaction, Mullis, Ferré, and Gibbs, Birkhauser Boston Press; Gene quantification, Ferré, Birkhauser Boston Press.)

These methods are generally very efficient tools for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex biological samples.

However, the efficiency of these techniques typically crucially depends on the design and the choice of primers.

There is prior art describing HIV1-specific primers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,385; EP 1 043 407; WO 03/020878; EP 1 344 837). There is also prior art describing HIV2-specific primers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,665).

Depending upon the working conditions, at least some of these prior art primers may show a sufficient HIV1 or HIV2 specificity, thereby allowing for a specific detection of HIV1 and HIV2. However, to the applicant's knowledge, none of them allows for:

-   -   a real-time quantitative specific detection of said subtypes, or         for     -   a detection of said subtypes in multiplex which would remain         specific, or for     -   a detection of said subtypes in multiplex which would remain         quantitative, even when implemented in real-time.

Such a real-time quantitative multiplex specific detection would however be more reliable and informative on the patient's actual infection stage. It would thus give access to a more accurate diagnosis, and as a consequence, would allow to more accurately balance the positive against the deleterious effects of a given treatment. It would allow adjusting or choosing the treatment which should be the most efficient to the particular patient being diagnosed.

Such a real-time quantitative multiplex specific detection would also have the advantage of being faster and easier to run, especially on a large scale.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a process for HIV detection.

The present invention provides oligonucleotides, including primers and probes, and sets thereof, which are suitable for the detection of HIV.

In this respect, the present invention also relates to the field of amplification, PCR and PCR-based methods, as well as diagnostics.

By PCR or PCR reaction, we hereby understand any PCR-based method. This includes standard PCR, qualitative, quantitative and semi-quantitative PCR, real-time PCR, reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), simplex and multiplex PCR, and the like.

By real-time PCR, we hereby understand any PCR-based method allowing for monitoring of fluorescence emitted during the reaction as an indicator of amplicon production during each PCR cycle as opposed to the endpoint detection by conventional PCR methods.

By quantitative PCR, we hereby understand any PCR-based method allowing for the estimation of the initial amount of a given PCR target in a given sample.

By multiplex PCR, we hereby understand any PCR reaction aiming at the amplification of more than one target. For instance, multiplex PCR include duplex PCR (two targets), triplex PCR (three targets), and higher multiplex PCR. Multiplex PCR includes PCR reactions with more than one primer pair, for instance two primer pairs. In this case, there might be four different primers, but it is also possible for the two primer pairs to have one primer in common, e.g. the forward primer, and to have two distinct reverse primers. Multiplex PCR also includes PCR reactions with a unique primer pair, but with more than one probe.

By oligonucleotide, we hereby understand any short polymer of nucleotides, wherein nucleotides can be ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, dideoxyribonucleotides, degenerated nucleotides, and the like. Said oligonucleotides are preferably single-stranded. The length of said oligonucleotides can vary, and is usually under 150 nucleotides (nt), preferably in the range of 10-100 nt, more preferably 15-60 nt, even more preferably 18-50 nt. Said oligonucleotides can bear chemical modifications, such as tagging or marking, for instance radioactive, fluorescent, biotinylated, dig labelling. An oligonucleotide according to the invention can be either forward (sense) or reverse (antisense). In addition, it should be stressed, that although preferred functions may be mentioned in relation to some oligonucleotides according to the present invention, it is obvious that a given oligonucleotide may assume several functions, and may be used in different ways according to the present invention. For example, an oligonucleotide can be used either as a primer, or as a probe. Also, when an oligonucleotide is described as being useful as an amplicon-targeting probe, the skilled person understands that the complementary sequence of this oligonucleotide is equally useful as a probe to target the same amplicon. Moreover, it is also obvious, that any primer suitable for a multiplex assay, can also, within the meaning of the present invention, be used in a simplex protocol. The same applies to a primer suitable for a real-time protocol, which can also be used in the framework of an end-point assay within the meaning of the present invention.

Oligonucleotides according to the invention especially include PCR primers and probes. Unless otherwise stated, nucleic acid sequences are given in the 5′ to 3′ direction. Said oligonucleotides can be under many forms, e.g. under dry state, in solution/suspension with the desired solvent and the desired concentration. The skilled person would know, which solvents, concentrations, storage conditions are suitable for the oligonucleotides of the invention. In particular, the skilled person would know how to prepare said oligonucleotides as stock solutions. The oligonucleotides according to the invention can also assume various degrees of purity, as can be judged by those skilled in the art, e.g. by HPLC chromatography.

By set of oligonucleotides, we hereby understand any combination comprising at least one oligonucleotide, preferably at least two, e.g. 2-10 oligonucleotides. Said set can thus comprise one PCR primer, or a pair of PCR primers, or a probe, or a probe and a pair of primers. Said oligonucleotides can be separately kept, or partially mixed, or entirely mixed.

The notion of primer or PCR primer is known to those skilled in the art. For example, it includes any oligonucleotide able to anneal to a target template under suitable stringency conditions, and allowing for polymerase strand elongation. The typical length of said primer is 15-30 nt, preferably 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 nt.

The notion of probe is also known to those skilled in the art. For example, it includes any oligonucleotide able to anneal to a target template under the desired hybridization conditions. The typical length of said probe is 20-55 nt, preferably 15-60 nt, more preferably 20-55 nt, more preferably 30-50 nt, more preferably 35-45 nt. Preferably, said probe is fluorescently labelled. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that under certain conditions, one may use a primer as a probe and vice-versa. Moreover, it is herein stressed that the products according to the present invention, especially, inter alia, oligonucleotides, are not limited to the intended use herein mentioned, but rather are to be broadly construed, irrespective of the indicated destination. For instance, a claim to a product (oligonucleotide) for a particular use should be construed as meaning a product (oligonucleotide) which is in fact suitable for the stated use. Thus, an oligonucleotide suitable for use as a primer in a multiplex protocol is also clearly adapted to a simplex protocol within the meaning of the present invention.

Various formats (types) of probes, including Taqman™ probes (hydrolysis probes), molecular Beacons™ (beacon probes or molecular beacon probes), and Scorpion™ probes are known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the probes according to the invention can all be synthesized and used in the molecular beacon format.

The structure of molecular beacons is as follows. A short nucleotide sequence (so-called beacon arm) which is unrelated to the target sequence is thus covalently linked to both ends of the probe. A short unrelated arm is thus linked in 5′ of the probe, and is labelled with a fluorescent moiety (i.e. fluorescent dye or fluorescent marker). Another but still unrelated arm is linked to the 3′ end of probe and is labelled with a fluorescence quenching moiety. Thus, molecular beacons have a fluorophore and a quencher at opposite ends. The 5′ short arm is totally complementary to the one in 3′ so that they can anneal together, and thus can assume a hairpin structure when unhybridized to the target in solution. In this hairpin conformation, the quencher and the fluorescent dye are close enough to each other to allow efficient quenching of the fluorophore. However, when the probe encounters a target molecule, annealing is favoured with respect to the hairpin conformation when values of beacon arm Tm and probe Tm are suitably chosen (theoretically: probe Tm>beacon arm Tm>primer Tm, wherein Tm is the melting temperature of interest). The fluorophore and quencher move away from each other and the fluorophore can then fluoresce when illuminated by suitable light excitation. As·PCR proceeds, amplification product accumulates, and the amount of fluorescence at any given cycle depends on the amount of amplification product present at that time. (See e.g. Sanjay Tyagi and Fred Russell Kramer, Nature Biotechnology 1996, volume 14, pages 303-308; Nature Biotechnology 1998, volume 16, pages 49-53).

(Remark: It is also possible to link the fluorophore at the 3′ end, while attaching the quencher at the 5′ end.)

Schematically, said probe can have the following formulae (molecular beacon format):

-   -   5′ Fluorophore-(arm 1)-probe-(arm2)-Quencher 3′     -   5′ Quencher-(arm 1)-probe-(arm2)-Fluorophore 3′         wherein arm1 and arm2 can be any short nucleotide sequences,         e.g. in the range of 3-10 nucleotides, preferably 5, 6, 7         nucleotides, allowing for the hair pin structure formation under         suitable stringency conditions, i.e. arm1 and arm2 are totally         complementary to anneal under the desired stringency conditions         (standard PCR stringency conditions include, for example, an         annealing temperature of 55 to 65° C. and an Mg concentration of         4 to 8 mM). However, arm1 and arm2 are unrelated to the target         sequence of the probe, i.e. the hairpin conformation resulting         from the annealing between arm1 and arm2 is essentially the only         possible secondary structure for the probe when unhybridized.         The skilled person would know how to choose such arms for a         given probe.

For example, possible beacon formats include:

TGCGC-(probe sequence)-GCGCA GCGCA-(probe sequence)-TGCGC AGCGC-(probe sequence)-GCGCT GCGCT-(probe sequence)-AGCGC CGCGA-(probe sequence)-TCGCG CGCGC-(probe sequence)-GCGCG.

By fluorophore, it is herein understood any fluorescent marker/dye known in the art. Examples of such suitable fluorescent markers include Fam, Hex, Tet, Joe, Rox, Tamra, Max, Edans, Cy dyes such as Cy5, Fluorescein, Coumarin, Eosine, Rhodamine, Bodipy, Alexa, Cascade Blue, Yakima Yellow, Lucifer Yellow and Texas Red (all of them are Trade-Marks).

By quencher, we herein understand any quencher known in the art. Examples of such quenchers include Dabcyl, Dark Quencher, Eclipse Dark Quencher, ElleQuencher, Tamra, BHQ and QSY (all of them are Trade-Marks).

The skilled person would know which combinations of dye/quencher are suitable when designing a probe.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, spectral properties of said probes can be chosen as to not interfere with each other. In particular, when probes are used in multiplex, each single probe can have its own fluorophore being spectrally significantly different from each other, i.e. the absorption/emission spectra are essentially non-overlapping. This advantageously allows for low-noise multiplex detection for all single probes, making sure that individual signals do not interfere with each other in detection. Examples of dyes which can be used together in multiplex include Fam with Tamra, Fam with Tamra with Texas Red.

According to the invention, all the provided oligonucleotides can be either kept separately, or partially mixed, or totally mixed.

Said oligonucleotides can be provided under dry form, or solubilized in a suitable solvent, as judged by the skilled person. Suitable solvents include TE, PCR-grade water, and the like.

Thereafter, sequences are identified by a SEQ ID NO:

The corresponding sequences are given on the tables in the figures appended thereto. In said tables, the standard code for degenerated nucleotides is used. In particular: R is G or A; Y is C or T; W is A or T.

In the given sequences, where several positions are degenerated, it is clear to those skilled in the art that each degenerated position can be chosen independently from each other. For example, RY can be GC, GT, AC, AT, combinations and mixtures thereof. Thus, SEQ ID NO: 52 may be any one of SEQ ID NO: 25 to 51 (see table) or combinations or mixtures thereof, etc.

In addition, in said tables, d indicates a degenerated oligonucleotide; e denotes an expanded oligonucleotide (i.e. a lengthened version of another oligonucleotide); and 1 designates a loop oligonucleotide.

By loop oligonucleotide, we hereby understand any oligonucleotide, whose 5′ end has been modified by addition of a few nucleotides (generally 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 nt) so as to be complementary to the 3′ end of said any oligonucleotide. Thus, said loop oligonucleotide has the advantageous feature of being able to adopt a loop conformation under given stringency conditions. This property is extremely advantageous in increasing the specificity and sensitivity in a PCR protocol, in particular in a multiplex protocol, by avoiding interactions between primers, or between primers and probes.

The present invention provides a process for the detection of HIV. In one aspect, the invention provides a process for the detection of at least one HIV target, comprising the step of producing at least one amplicon by means of at least two oligonucleotides,

-   -   wherein said oligonucleotides are suitable for use in the         specific amplification of at least one reference template         sequence selected from the group consisting of:         -   positions 4281-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the K03455 HIV1-M             reference isolate; and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2             selected from positions 4281-4429 (SEQ ID NO: 306),             4283-4429 (SEQ ID NO: 307), 4283-4431 (SEQ ID NO: 308) of             said HIV1-M isolate;         -   positions 4336-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 4) of the L20587 HIV1 O             reference isolate, and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 4             selected from positions 4336-4484 (SEQ ID NO: 310),             4338-4484 (SEQ ID NO:311) of said HIV I -O isolate;         -   positions 4889-5036 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the M30502 HIV2             reference isolate;         -   positions 4176-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the K03455 HIV1-M             reference isolate, and the fragment of SEQ ID NO:1 which is             identical to positions 4176-4429 (SEQ ID NO: 305) of said             HIV1-M isolate; and         -   positions 4231-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 3) of the L20587 HIV1-O             reference isolate, and the fragment of SEQ ID NO:3 which is             identical to positions 4231-4484 (SEQ ID NO: 309) of said             HIV1-O isolate.

The reference template sequences hence correspond to isolated fragments of a determined HIV isolate (i.e. the fragment which is identical to the sequence extending from the indicated positions). The oligonucleotides suitable for use in the specific amplification of at least said reference template sequence are hence selected to target this reference template sequence, in such a location that they would lead to the amplification of this reference template sequence under the form of an isolated fragment.

In another aspect, the invention provides a process for the detection of at least one HIV target, comprising the step of producing at least one amplicon by means of at least two oligonucleotides,

-   -   wherein said oligonucleotides are ‘quantitative friendly’ and/or         ‘multiplex-friendly’ primers which are suitable for use in the         specific amplification of at least one reference template         sequence selected from the group consisting of:         -   positions 4281-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the K03455 HIV1-M             reference isolate; and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2             selected from positions 4281-4429, 4283-4429, 4283-4431 of             said HIV1-M isolate (SEQ ID NO: 306, 307 and 308);         -   positions 4336-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 4) of the L20587 HIV1-O             reference isolate, and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 4             selected from positions 4336-4484, 4338-4484 of said HIV1-O             isolate (SEQ ID NO: 310 and 311);         -   positions 4889-5036 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the M30502 HIV2             reference isolate;         -   positions 4176-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the K03455 HIV1-M             reference isolate, and the fragment of SEQ ID NO:1 which is             identical to positions 4176-4429 (SEQ ID NO: 305) of said             HIV1-M isolate; and         -   positions 4231-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 3) of the L20587 HIV1-O             reference isolate, and the fragment of SEQ ID NO:3 which is             identical to positions 4231-4484 (SEQ ID NO: 309) of said             HIV1-O isolate.

In another aspect, the invention provides a process for the detection of at least one HIV target, comprising the amplification of at least one reference template sequence selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   positions 4281-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the K03455 HIV1-M         reference isolate; and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2 selected         from positions 4281-4429, 4283-4429, 4283-4431 of said HIV1-M         isolate;     -   positions 4336-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 4) of the L20587 HIV1-O         reference isolate, and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 4 selected         from positions 4336-4484, 4438-4484 of said HIV1-O isolate;     -   positions 4889-5036 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the M30502 HIV2 reference         isolate;     -   positions 4176-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the K03455 HIV1-M         reference isolate, and the fragment of SEQ ID NO:1 which is         identical to positions 4176-4429 of said HIV1-M isolate; and     -   positions 4231-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 3) of the L20587 HIV1-O         reference isolate, and the fragment of SEQ ID NO:3 which is         identical to positions 4231-4484 of said HIV1-O isolate.

In a preferred embodiment, said process comprises the step of detecting said amplicon by means of at least one probe.

The term amplicon is known to those skilled in the art. By amplicon, we herein understand any amplification product.

Amplification is known in the art, and can be any process involving at least one amplification step, in particular at least one PCR or a PCR-based amplification step.

By ‘multiplex-friendly’ oligonucleotide, we herein understand any oligonucleotide which can be successfully used in a multiplex (PCR) protocol. In particular, ‘multiplex-friendly’ oligonucleotides allow specific and sensitive results in a multiplex protocol.

By ‘quantitative friendly’ oligonucleotide, we herein understand any oligonucleotide which can be successfully used in a quantitative (PCR) protocol. In particular, ‘quantitative-friendly’ oligonucleotides allow specific, sensitive and quantitative results.

A sequence complementary to another sequence is herein meant as a sequence which is complementary to said other sequence over the entire length of this other sequence.

Although the process according to the present invention can advantageously be carried out in the framework of a multiplex protocol, it is also clearly possible to carry it out as a simplex protocol, for example a simplex end-point or qualitative protocol.

By reference template sequence, we herein understand any template sequence which can be used as a reference for alignment. For example, some genomes are considered as reference genome. Sequence alignment is known in the art. Advantageously according to the invention, SEQ ID NO: 1 to 5 and the above-mentioned fragments thereof are reference template sequences sharing the specific technical feature of being suitable references to construct and produce primers which allow for a quantitative detection of at least one of the HIV1-M, HIV1-O, HIV2-A and HIV2-B subtypes. Said reference template sequences are suitable references to construct and produce primers which allow for:

-   -   a real-time quantitative detection of at least one of said HIV         subtypes,     -   a multiplex detection of at least one of said HIV subtypes,     -   a real-time quantitative multiplex detection of at least one of         said HIV subtypes.

The reference template sequences of the invention notably comprise the sequences selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   positions 4176-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the K03455 HIV1-M         reference isolate, and the fragments of SEQ ID NO:1 selected         from positions 4281-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 2), 4281-4429, 4283-4429,         4283-4431, and 4176-4429 of said K03455 HIV1-M reference         isolate;     -   positions 4231-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 3) of the L20587 HIV1-O         reference isolate, and the fragments of SEQ ID NO:3 selected         from positions 4336-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 4), 4336-4484, 4338-4484,         and 4231-4484 of said L20587 HIV1-O reference isolate;     -   positions 4889-5036 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the M30502 HIV2 reference         isolate.

Thus, the process according to the invention advantageously allows the specific and sensitive detection of the main HIV groups and/or types and/or subtypes, and of possibly virtually any HIV groups and/or types and/or subtypes, by a real-time quantitative and/or multiplex amplification protocol. Examples of such groups and/or types and/or subtypes covered by the process according to the present invention include HIV1-M subtypes A (A1 and A2), B, C, D, F (F1 and F2), G, H, J and K, but also the recombinant forms AE, AG, AB, DF, BC, CD, BF and BG, and also U (highly divergent). Further examples thereof comprises HIV2 subtypes A, B.

The invention hence provides a HIV detection process by nucleic by acid amplification which:

-   -   can be group- and/or type- and/or subtype-specific,     -   is quantitative, and more particularly allows for a real-time         quantitative HIV detection,     -   can be implemented in multiplex while still remaining specific,         and can even be implemented in a (possibly real-time)         quantitative multiplex amplification protocol.

Thus, the process according to the invention can advantageously facilitate diagnostics procedures by differentiating-HIV1-M and HIV1-O groups from HIV2 group and covering a very broad spectrum of HIV types and/or sub-types using a single procedure.

In one aspect of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 2, from the K03455 HIV1-M reference isolate, or a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 2 selected from positions 4281-4429, 4283-4429, 4283-4431.

In one embodiment, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 2, from the K03455 HIV1-M reference isolate, or one of said fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2, and said process is carried out with at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 9, 12, 14, 15, 24, 52, 82, 91, 100, 109, 118, 127,         136, and the sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID         NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136 over the entire length of this         SEQ ID NO:

In a preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 9, 12, 14, 15, 24, 52, 82.

In another embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one probe selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, and the complementary         sequences thereof.

In a more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO:9, 12, 14, 15.         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 24, 52, 82.

In a still more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 9, 12, 14, 15;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 24, 52, 82;         and, optionally, with at least one probe selected from the group         consisting of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 110, 118, 127, 136, and the         complementary sequences thereof.

The possible combinations of primers (primer pairs) are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 9 12 14 15 24 X X X X 52 X X X X 82 X X X X wherein X indicates that the primers can be combined with each other as a pair, and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the probes selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 110, 118, 127, 136, and the         complementary sequences thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 4, from the L20587 HIV1-O reference isolate, or a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 4 selected from 4336-4484, 4338-4484.

In one embodiment of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 4, from the L20587 HIV1-O reference isolate or one of said fragments of SEQ ID NO: 4, and said process is carried out with at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 148, 157, 167, 170, 179, 189, 190 to 194, and the         sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 190 to         194 over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO:

In a preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 148, 157, 167, 170, 179, 189.

In another embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one probe selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 190 to 194, and the complementary sequences thereof.

In a more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 148, 157, 167;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 170, 179, 189.

In a still more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 148, 157, 167;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 170, 179, 189;         and, optionally, with at least one probe selected from the group         consisting of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 190 to 194, and the complementary sequences thereof.

The possible combinations of primers (primer pairs) are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 148 157 167 170 X X X 179 X X X 189 X X X wherein X indicates that the primers can be combined with each other as a pair, and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the probes selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and the complementary         sequences thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 5, from the M30502 HIV2 reference isolate.

In one embodiment of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 5, from the M30502 HIV2 reference isolate, and said process is carried out with at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 221, 249, 276, 287, 296, 297 to 303, and the         sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 297 to         303 over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO:

In a preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 221, 249, 276, 287, 296.

In another embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one probe selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 297 to 303, and the complementary sequences thereof.

In a more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 221, 249;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 276, 287, 296.

In a still more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 221, 249;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 276, 287, 296;         and, optionally, with at least one probe selected from the group         consisting of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 297 to 303, and the complementary sequences thereof.

The possible combinations of primers (primer pairs) are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 221 249 276 X X 287 X X 296 X X wherein X indicates that the primers can be combined with each other as a pair, and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the probes selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, and the         complementary sequences thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 1, from the K03455 HIV1-M reference isolate, or the fragment of SEQ ID NO:1 which is identical to positions 4176-4429 of said K03455 HIV1-M reference isolate.

In one embodiment of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 1, from the K03455 HIV1-M reference isolate, or said fragment thereof, and said process is carried out with at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 6, 24, 52, 82, 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, and the         sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 91, 100,         109, 118, 127, 136, over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO:

In a preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 6, 24, 52, 82.

In another embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one probe selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, and the complementary         sequences thereof.

In a more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected which is:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 6;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 24, 52, 82.

In a still more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected which is:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 6;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 24, 52, 82;         and, optionally, with at least one probe selected from the group         consisting of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, and the complementary         sequences thereof.

The possible combinations of primers (primer pairs) are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 24 52 82 6 X X X wherein X indicates that the primers can be combined with each other as a pair, and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the probes selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, and the complementary         sequences thereof.

In another aspect of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 3, from the L20587 HIV1-O reference isolate, or the fragment of SEQ ID NO:3 which is identical to positions 4231-4484 of said L20587 HIV1-O reference isolate.

In one embodiment of the invention, said reference template sequence is SEQ ID NO: 3, from the L20587 HIV1-O reference isolate, or said fragment thereof, and said process is carried out with at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 139, 170, 179, 189, 190 to 194, and the sequences         which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 190 to 194 over the         entire length of this SEQ ID NO:

In a preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 139, 170, 179, 189.

In another embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one probe selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 190 to 194, and the complementary sequences thereof.

In a more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer which is:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 139;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 170, 179, 189.

In a still more preferred embodiment, said process is carried out with at least one primer which is:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 139;         and with at least one primer selected from the group consisting         of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 170, 179, 189;         and, optionally, with at least one probe selected from the group         consisting of:     -   SEQ ID NO: 190 to 194, and the complementary sequences thereof.

The possible combinations of primers (primer pairs) are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 170 179 189 139 X X X wherein X indicates that the primers can be combined with each other as a pair, and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the probes selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and the complementary         sequences thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, said step of producing at least one amplicon comprises at least one quantitative and/or qualitative, multiplex and/or simplex PCR amplification.

In another aspect of the invention, said step of detecting preferentially includes real-time and/or quantitative and/or end-point detection.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an amplicon obtainable by the above-described process, i.e. by implementation of the process of the invention on a HIV-containing sample.

In a further aspect, there is provided an amplification composition comprising at least one amplicon according to the invention. By amplification composition, we herein understand any composition obtainable by amplification, especially by PCR.

The invention is also directed to a polynucleotide suitable for use as a reference template sequence in the design of primers that can be used in multiplex to cover at least HIV1-M, HIV1-O, HIV2-A and HIV2-B in a single amplification run while still offering a real time quantitative amplification thereof. Naturally, the polynucleotides according to the present invention are also suitable for further protocols, including simplex protocols, multiplex protocols, end-point protocols, qualitative protocols, quantitative protocols, combinations thereof, and the like.

By polynucleotide, we hereby understand any polymer of nucleotides, wherein nucleotides can be ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, dideoxyribonucleotides, degenerated nucleotides, and the like. Said nucleotides are preferably single-stranded, but can also be double stranded. The length of said polynucleotides can vary, and is usually under 500 nucleotides (nt), preferably in the range of 50-400 nt, more preferably 100-300 nt, even more preferably 150-250 nt.

In a preferred embodiment, said reference template polynucleotide is:

-   -   positions 4281-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the K03455 HIV1-M         reference isolate (see FIG. 7), or a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 2         selected from 4281-4429, 4283-4429, 4283-4431.

In another embodiment, said reference template polynucleotide is:

-   -   positions 4336-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 4) of the L20587 HIV1-O         reference isolate (see FIG. 7), or a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 4         selected from 4336-4484, 4338-4484.         In another embodiment, said reference template polynucleotide         is:     -   positions 4889-5036 (SEQ ID NO: 5) of the M30502 HIV2 reference         isolate (see FIG. 7).

In yet another embodiment, said reference template polynucleotide is:

-   -   positions 4176-4436 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the K03455 HIV1-M         reference isolate (see FIG. 7), or the fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1         which is identical to positions 4176-4429 of said K03455 HIV1-M         isolate.

In a further embodiment, said reference template polynucleotide is:

-   -   positions 4231-4491 (SEQ ID NO: 3) of the L20587 HIV1-O         reference isolate (see FIG. 7), or the fragment of SEQ ID NO:3         which is identical to positions 4231-4484 of said L20587 HIV1-O         isolate.

According to the present invention, there is provided an oligonucleotide suitable for HIV detection: see FIGS. 7 to 21.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an oligonucleotide which is selected from the group consisting in:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 6 to 304, and the sequences which are complementary         to one of SEQ ID NO: 83-138, 190-194, 297-304 over the entire         length of this SEQ ID NO:

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides an oligonucleotide which is selected from the group consisting in:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 24, 52, 82, 91, 100, 109, 118, 127,         136, 139, 148, 157, 167, 170, 179, 189, 190 to 194, 221, 249,         276, 287, 296, 297 to 303, and     -   the sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 91,         100, 109, 118, 127, 136, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 297, 298, 299,         300, 301, 302, 303, over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO:

In one aspect, the invention provides an oligonucleotide which is suitable for HIV1-M detection, and which is selected from the group consisting in:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 6, 9, 12, 14, 15, 24, 52, 82, 91, 100, 109, 118, 127,         136, and the sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID         NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136 over the entire length of this         SEQ ID NO.

In another aspect, the invention provides an oligonucleotide which is suitable for HIV1-O detection and which is selected from the group consisting in:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 139, 148, 157, 167, 170, 179, 189, 190 to 194, and         the sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO:         190-194, over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an oligonucleotide which is suitable for HIV2-A detection and which is selected from the group consisting in:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 221, 249, 276, 287, 296, 297 to 299, and the         sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 297-299,         over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an oligonucleotide which is suitable for HIV2-B detection and which is selected from the group consisting in:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 221, 249, 276, 287, 296, 300 to 303, and the         sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 300-303,         over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO:

Please note that sequences such as SEQ ID NO: 9 or SEQ ID N:12 are degenerated sequences: SEQ ID NO: 9 with R=A is identical to SEQ ID NO: 8; SEQ ID NO: 12 with R=A is identical to SEQ ID NO: 11.

In another aspect, the invention provides the following oligonucleotides, being suitable for the indicated uses:

possible use SEQ ID NO: HIV1-M forward primer  6-15 HIV1-M reverse primer 16-82 HIV1-M probe  83-138 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV1-O forward primer 139-167 HIV1-O reverse primer 168-189 HIV1-O probe 190-194 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV2 forward primer 195-249 HIV2 reverse primer 250-296 HIV2-A probe 297-299 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV2-B probe 300-303 (+complementary sequences thereof)

In a further aspect, the invention provides the following oligonucleotides, being suitable for the indicated uses:

possible use SEQ ID NO: HIV1-M forward primer 6, 9, 12, 14, 15 HIV1-M reverse primer 24, 52, 82 HIV1-M probe 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV1-O forward primer 139, 148, 157, 167 HIV1-O reverse primer 170, 179, 189 HIV1-O probe 190 to 194 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV2 forward primer 221, 249 HIV2 reverse primer 276, 287, 296 HIV2-A probe 297 to 299 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV2-B probe 300 to 303 (+complementary sequences thereof)

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides the following oligonucleotides:

possible use SEQ ID NO: HIV1-M loop forward primer 14, 15 HIV1-M loop reverse primer 82 HIV1-M beacon probe 100, 109, 127, 136 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV1-O loop forward primer 167 HIV1-O loop reverse primer 189 HIV1-O beacon probe 191, 192, 194 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV2 loop forward primer 249 HIV2 loop reverse primer 287, 296 HIV2-A beacon probe 298-299 (+complementary sequences thereof) HIV2-B beacon probe 301-303 (+complementary sequences thereof)

In a preferred embodiment, any nucleotide according to the invention can be fluorescently labelled.

In another aspect, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV detection.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV1-M detection.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV1-M detection comprising:

-   -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 6, 9, 12, 14, 15; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 24, 52, 82; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (probe) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, and the         sequences which are complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 91, 100,         109, 118, 127, 136, over the entire length of this SEQ ID NO.

The possible combinations of oligonucleotides are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 6 9 12 14 15 24 X X X X X 52 X X X X X 82 X X X X X wherein X indicates that the oligonucleotides can be combined with each other as a pair (primer pair), and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the oligonucleotides (probes) selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 110, 118, 127, 136, and the         complementary sequences thereof.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV1-O detection.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV1-O detection, comprising:

-   -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 139, 148, 157, 167; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 170, 179, 189; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (probe) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 190 to 194, and the sequences which are         complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 190-194, over the entire         length of this SEQ ID NO.

The possible combinations of oligonucleotides are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 170 179 189 139 X X X 148 X X X 157 X X X 167 X X X wherein X indicates that the oligonucleotides can be combined with each other as a pair (primer pair), and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the oligonucleotides (probes) selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, and the complementary         sequences thereof.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV2-A detection.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV2-A detection, comprising:

-   -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 221, 249; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 276, 287, 296; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (probe) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 297 to 299 and the sequences which are         complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 297-299 other the entire         length of this SEQ ID NO.

The possible combinations of oligonucleotides are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 221 249 276 X X 287 X X 296 X X wherein X indicates that the oligonucleotides can be combined with each other as a pair (primer pair), and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the oligonucleotides (probes) selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 297, 298, 299 and the complementary sequence thereof.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV2-B detection.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV2-B detection, comprising:

-   -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 221, 249; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (primer) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 276, 287, 296; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide (probe) selected from the group         consisting in SEQ ID NO: 300 to 303, and the sequences which are         complementary to one of SEQ ID NO: 300-303, over the entire         length of this SEQ ID NO.

The possible combinations of oligonucleotides are thus as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 221 249 276 X X 287 X X 296 X X wherein X indicates that the oligonucleotides can be combined with each other as a pair (primer pair), and that each primer pair can in addition be used in combination with any one of the oligonucleotides (probes) selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   SEQ ID NO: 300, 301, 302, 303, and the complementary sequences         thereof.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV multiplex detection.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a set of oligonucleotides suitable for HIV detection, preferably multiplex detection, comprising:

-   -   at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting         in SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, and the complementary         sequences thereof; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting         in SEQ ID NO: 190 to 194, and the complementary sequences         thereof; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting         in SEQ ID NO: 297 to 299, and the complementary sequences         thereof; and/or     -   at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting         in SEQ ID NO: 300 to 303, and the complementary sequences         thereof; and/or     -   combinations thereof.

Such a set of oligonucleotides according to the invention may thus comprise any combination thereof of 2, 3, 4, 5 and more of said oligonucleotides.

In a preferred embodiment, such a set of oligonucleotides can be a combination of probes, e.g. a combination of an HIV1-M probe and an HIV1-O probe:

SEQ ID NO: 91 100 109 118 127 136 190 X X X X X X 191 X X X X X X 192 X X X X X X 193 X X X X X X 194 X X X X X X (X = possible combination, optionally with any further probe(s), eg HIV2-A or HIV2-B probes)

In another embodiment, such a set of oligonucleotides can be a combination of probes, e.g. a combination of an HIV2-A probe and an HIV2-B probe:

SEQ ID NO: 297 298 299 300 X X X 301 X X X 302 X X X 303 X X X

Further possibilities include:

SEQ ID NO: 91 100 109 118 127 136 297 X X X X X X 298 X X X X X X 299 X X X X X X 300 X X X X X X 301 X X X X X X 302 X X X X X X 303 X X X X X X (X = possible combination, optionally with any further probe(s), eg for HIV1-O)

SEQ ID NO: 190 191 192 193 194 297 X X X X X 298 X X X X X 299 X X X X X 300 X X X X X 301 X X X X X 302 X X X X X 303 X X X X X (X = possible combination, optionally with any further probe(s), eg for HIV1-M)

In a preferred embodiment, in any set of oligonucleotides according to the invention, at least one of said oligonucleotides is fluorescently labelled.

There is further provided an amplicon obtainable by means of at least one oligonucleotide according to the invention, and/or at least one set of nucleotides according to the invention.

There is more particularly provided an amplicon obtainable by amplification from a HIV-containing sample with a pair of primers selected from:

-   -   a primer of SEQ ID NO: 9, 12, 14 or 15, and a primer of SEQ ID         NO: 24, 52 or 82; or     -   a primer of SEQ ID NO: 148, 157 or 167, and a primer of SEQ ID         NO: 170, 179 or 189; or     -   a primer of SEQ ID NO: 221 or 249, and a primer of SEQ ID NO:         276, 287 or 296; or     -   a primer of SEQ ID NO: 6, and a primer of SEQ ID NO: 24, 52 or         82; or     -   a primer of SEQ ID NO: 139, and a primer of SEQ ID NO: 170, 179         or 189.

There is also provided an amplicon which has a nucleotide length identical to the nucleotide length of one of the reference template sequences of the invention (i.e. SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 5, 1 or 3 and the above-mentioned fragments thereof), and which comprises a sequence having a percentage of nucleotide identity of at least 90%, preferably of at least 91%, most preferably of at least 92%, most preferably of at least 93%, most preferably of at least 94%, most preferably of at least 95%, most preferably of at least 96%, most preferably of at least 97%, most preferably of at least 98%, most preferably of at least 99%, most preferably of 100%, with a probe sequence, over the entire length of this probe sequence, wherein this probe sequence is one of the following: SEQ ID NO: 91, 100, 109, 118, 127, 136, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, and the sequences which are complementary to these SEQ ID NO: over the entire length of these SEQ ID NO.

An amplification composition comprising such an amplicon is also encompassed by the present invention.

It is another object of the present invention to provide with a kit.

In a preferred embodiment, said kit comprises at least one oligonucleotide (primer or probe) according to the invention, as described above.

In another embodiment, said kit comprises at least one primer pair according to the invention, as described above.

In yet another embodiment, said kit comprises at least a set of oligonucleotides according to the invention, for example at least one plurality of probes according to the invention, as described above.

In the kit according to the invention, the oligonucleotides (primers, probes) can be either kept separately, or partially mixed, or totally mixed.

Said oligonucleotides can be provided under dry form, or solubilized in a suitable solvent, as judged by the skilled person. Suitable solvents include TE, PCR-grade water, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the kit according to the invention can also contain further reagents suitable for a PCR step, possibly including reagents suitable for an RT-PCR step.

Such reagents are known to those skilled in the art, and include water, like nuclease-free water, RNase free water, DNAse-free water, PCR-grade water; salts, like magnesium, potassium; buffers such as Tris; enzymes, including polymerases, such as Taq, Vent, Pfu (all of them Trade-Marks), activable polymerase, reverse transcriptase, and the like; nucleotides like deoxynucleotides, dideoxunucleotides, dNTPs, dATP, dTTP, dCTP, dGTP, dUTP; other reagents, like DTT and/or RNase inhibitors; and polynucleotides like polyT, polydT, and other oligonucleotides, e.g. primers.

In another preferred embodiment, the kit according to the invention comprises PCR controls. Such controls are known in the art, and include qualitative controls, positive controls, negative controls, internal controls, quantitative controls, internal quantitative controls, as well as calibration ranges. The internal control for said PCR step can be a template which is unrelated to the target template in the PCR step. Such controls also may comprise control primers and/or control probes. For example, in the case of HIV detection, it is possible to use as an internal control, a polynucleotide chosen within a gene whose presence is excluded in a sample originating from a human body (for example, from a plant gene), and whose size and GC content is equivalent to those from the target sequence.

In a preferred embodiment, the kit according to the invention contains means for extracting and/or purifying nucleic acid from a biological sample, e.g. from blood, serum, plasma. Such means are well known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the kit according to the invention contains instructions for the use thereof. Said instructions can advantageously be a leaflet, a card, or the like. Said instructions can also be present under two forms: a detailed one, gathering exhaustive information about the kit and the use thereof, possibly also including literature data; and a quick-guide form or a memo, e.g. in the shape of a card, gathering the essential information needed for the use thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, said kit is a diagnostics kit, especially an in vitro diagnostics kit, i.e. an HIV diagnostics kit.

The present invention also relates to the field of diagnostics.

The oligonucleotides according to the present invention, and as described above, can be used for the in vitro diagnostics of HIV types and subtypes. In particular, the primers and probes according to the invention can be used for in vitro typing, sub-typing, and quantification of HIV nucleic acids present in an in vitro sample, for instance, in a patient's blood, plasma and/or serum, or in a cell culture supernatant.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide with a method to detect HIV nucleic acid presence in a sample.

In one embodiment, said method comprises the step of providing with at least one sample suspected of comprising at least one target template from at least one HIV type and/or sub-type and/or isolate.

By nucleic acid, we hereby understand any nucleic acid: it can be synthetic or not, recombinant or naturally occurring, linear or circular. This includes DNA and RNA. The nucleic acid can be either single stranded or double stranded or even triple stranded. It can stem from various biological sources, such as micro organisms (bacteria, yeasts, and the like), or higher organisms, like mammal cells. Said nucleic acid can also be of viral nature, e.g. retroviral nature, like HIV's. The nucleic acid can also comprise total DNA, total RNA, genomic DNA, mitochondrial DNA, plasmidic DNA, BAC DNA, and mixtures thereof. Moreover, the nucleic acid can assume various states of purity.

By sample, we hereby understand any kind of sample, naturally occurring or not. Preferably, said sample is from biological origin. Said sample may also stem from a cell culture supernatant. In a preferred embodiment, said sample derives from blood. More preferably, said nucleic acid containing sample derives from serum and/or plasma. Said sample might also result from a preliminary step. For instance, said sample might be obtainable via a purification and/or extraction procedure, e.g. from a blood sample. In particular, said sample may result from a separation and/or purification and/or extraction process carried out on a biological sample. Said sample can also be a control sample. Control samples include samples as qualitative control, positive control, negative control, quantitative control, and calibrating control. Said control can be internal as well as external. Any sample according to the present invention can be present several times. For instance, said sample can be provided as duplicate, as triplicate, as quadruplicate . . . as multiplicate, which is advantageous in the case of quantitative experiments.

The skilled person is familiar with the notion of target template. Said target template can be any nucleic acid, whose presence is to be assessed in said method. Said target template is possibly, but not necessarily, the nucleic acid to be amplified in said method (PCR amplicon).

Said method may comprise the step of providing with at least one nucleic acid-containing sample suspected of comprising at least one target template from at least one HIV type and/or sub-type.

In one aspect of the invention, said method comprises the step of providing with at least one oligonucleotide according to the invention (e.g. PCR primer and/or probe) and/or at least one set of nucleotides (e.g. a primer pair) according to the invention.

In one embodiment, said method comprises the step of contacting said nucleic acid-containing sample with at least one oligonucleotide according to the invention and/or at least one set of nucleotides according to the invention, under conditions enabling the annealing of said primer and/or said primer pair and/or said probe onto said template.

In another aspect, said method comprises the step of observing or detecting the presence of an annealed product, thereby revealing the initial presence of an HIV nucleic acid in said sample.

It is a further object of the invention to provide with a method for the quantitative specific detection of HIV types and sub-types in a sample, preferably through real-time quantitative multiplex PCR analysis.

In one embodiment, said method comprises the step of providing with at least one sample suspected of comprising at least one target template from at least one HIV type and/or sub-type.

In another preferred embodiment, said method comprises the step of providing with at least one oligonucleotide according to the invention (e.g. PCR primer and/or probe) and/or at least one set of nucleotides according to the invention (e.g. primer pair).

In a preferred embodiment, said probe is suitable for the detection of a putative HIV amplicon obtainable with said primer pair.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, spectral properties of said probes can be chosen as to not interfere with each other. In particular, when probes are used in multiplex, each single probe can have its own fluorophore being spectrally significantly different from each other, i.e. the absorption/emission spectra are essentially non-overlapping. This advantageously allows for low-noise multiplex detection for all single probes, making sure that individual signals do not interfere with each other in detection. Examples of dyes which can be used together in multiplex include Fam with Tamra, Fam with Tamra and Texas Red.

In another preferred embodiment, said method comprises the step of contacting said sample, in presence of said oligonucleotide(s) and/or primer(s) and/or pair(s) or primers and/or probe(s) and/or set(s) of oligonucleotides and possibly in the presence of suitable reagents, to the conditions suitable for the PCR amplification of said target template with said primer pair(s) and/or set(s).

Said PCR amplification can be any PCR reaction, including RT-PCR. Such suitable reagents are known in the art, and examples thereof include water, like nuclease-free water, RNase free water, DNAse-free water, PCR-grade water; salts, like magnesium, potassium; buffers such as Tris; enzymes, including polymerases, such as Taq, Vent, Pfu (all of them Trade-Marks), activable polymerase, reverse transcriptase, and the like; nucleotides like deoxynucleotides, dideoxynucleotides, dNTPs, dATP, dTTP, dUTP, dCTP, dGTP; other reagents, like DTT and/or RNase inhibitors; and polynucleotides like polyT, polydT. Advantageously according to the invention, at least part of these reagents can be used as a pre-mix. The amounts thereof to be used are known to those skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the primers according to the invention are used in a final concentration range 100-200 nM. Typically, said primers can be used at a final concentration range 200-1500 nM, preferably 250-1000 nM, more preferably 500-1000 nM, even more preferably 600-1000 nM.

Probe concentration in a PCR reaction can be optimized, typically by varying the final concentration from 50 nM to 1000 nM. In a preferred embodiment, the probes according to the invention are used at a final concentration range 50-1000 nM, preferably 100-800 nM, more preferably 100-600 nM, even more preferably 200-600 nM.

Said conditions are known to those skilled in the art. They include temperature conditions, in particular thermal cycling conditions, e.g. temperature, duration, number, heating rate of the cycles. In a preferred embodiment, said temperature conditions include conditions suitable for an RT-PCR. In another preferred embodiment, said conditions include conditions suitable for a QPCR. In yet another preferred embodiment, said conditions include conditions suitable for a quantitative RT-PCR.

In another embodiment, said method comprises the step of bringing said sample, in the presence of said probe(s) under conditions suitable for the annealing of said probe to said putative amplicon.

In yet another preferred embodiment, said method comprises the step of detecting at least once, preferably real-time, potential amplification products, i.e. whether said probe(s) meet(s) said amplicon to anneal with, preferably for each sample. This advantageously allows for the assessment of the presence of said HIV type and/or sub-type. This can be advantageously achieved by fluorescence intensity measurements. Fluorescence measurement procedures are known in the art. Briefly, the sample is illuminated at around the excitation wavelength of the fluorophore, and emission intensity is measured.

In another embodiment, said method comprises the step of measuring at least once, preferably real-time, the amount of said probe annealed to said amplicon. This can be advantageously achieved by fluorescence intensity measurements. Fluorescence measurement procedures are known in the art. Briefly, the sample is illuminated at around the excitation wavelength of the fluorophore, and emission intensity is measured

In another preferred embodiment, said method comprises the step of estimating at least once the number of target template copies initially present in said sample. The skilled person would know how to carry out such a step. For example, this can be advantageously performed having used calibration standards and/or internal controls. Preferably, this step includes the determination of the so-called threshold cycle (CT) for each sample, which correlates to the number of target template copies initially present in said sample.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one step, preferably several steps, more preferably most of the steps of said method can be carried out in a PCR plate. Suitable such PCR plates are known in the art. They include 24-well plates, 48-well plates, 96-well-plates, and 284-well plates. This advantageously ensures that samples can be processed in parallel in said steps. In addition, this allows for high throughput screening, which advantageously saves time. In another preferred embodiment, at least one step, preferably several steps, more preferably most steps of said method can be carried out in a thermal cycler. Such thermal cycler might be equipped for real-time fluorescence intensity measurements, in which case said plates can advantageously be of optical-grade.

This application also relates to the amplification of HIV nucleic acids with at least one oligonucleotide and/or PCR primer and/or at least one PCR primer pair and/or at least one probe and/or at least one set of nucleotides according to the invention.

The skilled person can appreciate that the present invention can incorporate any number of the preferred features described above. All citations mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Other embodiments of the present invention are not presented here, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, and thus are within the scope and the spirit of the present invention. In particular, although being suitable for detection via multiplex and/or real-time protocols, the methods, processes, polynucleotides, oligonucleotides, sets of oligonucleotides, amplicons, and kits of the present invention are obviously also suitable for simplex protocols, qualitative protocols, quantitative protocols, end-point detection protocols, and combinations thereof.

The advantages of the products, processes and methods according to the invention will become apparent from the following examples, which are given below as mere illustrations, and are non limitative.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 3 illustrate HIV2-A and HIV2-B detection according to the present invention (see example 1 below).

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate HIV1-M and HIV1-O detection according to the present invention (see example 2 below).

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate HIV1/HIV2 multiplex detection according to the present invention (see example 4 below).

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate an HIV2/internal control assay according to the present invention (see example 5 below).

FIGS. 7 to 21 illustrate sequences according to the present invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 HIV2 Detection (Sub-Types A and B) (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 3)

This example illustrates that the HIV2 primers and probes of the invention allow for RT-PCR specific real-time detection of HIV2 sub-types A and B.

This example involves the use of one pair of HIV2 primers, and two different HIV2 probes. One probe is an HIV2-A probe (sub-type A probe), and the other one is an HIV2-B probe (sub-type B probe). These primers and probes target a 147 bp sequence in HIV2 isolates.

They have the following sequences:

HIV2 forward primer (H2A3f, SEQ ID NO: 195): AGGAAGRCARACAGCACTCTTC with R = A/G (Tm = 66° C.) HIV2 reverse primer (H2A3r, SEQ ID NO: 250): GGTACTCCRAAGGGGTTTGTTCTAT with R = A/G (Tm = 65°)

As already mentioned, R corresponds to an A or G, so that there are 4 forms for the forward primer (AA, AG, GA and GG) et 2 forms for the reverse primer (AG or GA).

HIV2-A probe (HIV2-A probe, SEQ ID NO: 297): GGCCAATAACACACTTGCACACA HIV2-B probe (HIV2-B probe, SEQ ID NO: 300): GCCTATCACACACCTGCACACA

Each of these probes is used as a molecular beacon in this example. The target-unrelated beacon arms which have been added at each end of each probe are shown underlined (FAM=fluorophore; DQ=Dark Quencher).

HIV2-A probe in molecular beacon format (HIV2-A beacon probe, SH2A9a, SEQ ID NO: 298): FAM-AGCGCGGCCAATAACACACTTGCACACAGCGCT-DQ H1V2-B probe in molecular beacon format (HIV2-B beacon probe, SH2A1b, SEQ ID NO: 301): FAM-AGCGCGCCTATCACACACCTGCACACAGCGCT-DQ

Three series of real-time quantitative amplification experiments are performed on a panel of HIV2-positive plasma samples (HIV2-A positive HIV2-B negative samples and HIV2-B positive HIV2-A negative samples):

-   -   a) HIV2 primer pair+HIV2-A beacon probe (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A9a,         SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 298),     -   b) HIV2 primer pair+HIV2-B beacon probe (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A1b,         SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 301),     -   c) HIV2 primer pair+HIV2-A beacon probe+HIV2-B beacon probe         (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A9a, SH2A1b, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 298, 301).

Details of the procedure are as follows:

-   -   Panel of HIV2-positive samples: HIV2-A positive HIV2-B negative         plasma samples (sub-type A samples) and HIV2-B positive HIV2-A         negative plasma samples (sub-type B samples) are obtained from         infected patients (Centre Hospitalier Bichat, Laboratory of         Virology, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, France);     -   Negative controls: HIV2-negative plasma;     -   Nucleic acid extraction: Kit Qiagen QiaAmp Viral RNA         (reference 52904) used in accordance with the manufacturer's         recommendations (volume of sample for extraction=140         microliters);     -   Primer pair: 1 microM each per reaction (SEQ ID NO: 11, 12);     -   Probes: FAM-Dark Quencher beacon probes as described above (SEQ         ID NO: 298, 301); 0.2 microM each per reaction;     -   RT-PCR reagents: RNAse-free water, and Qiagen QuantiTect Probe         RT-PCR kit (Qiagen reference: 204443) used according to the         manufacturer's instructions, [MgCl₂]=4 mM;     -   Apparatus: IQ-Cycler Bio-Rad;     -   Thermal cycling:         -   30′ at 42° C. (RT step),         -   15′ at 95° C. (polymerase activation step),         -   (30″ at 94° C.-30″ at 55° C.-30″ at 72° C.)×50, +4° C.

The panel of sub-type A samples and sub-type B samples are submitted to nucleic acid extraction and RT-PCR amplification using the HIV2 primer pair together with either only one of the probes (experiments a) and b)), or both probes (experiment c)).

Interpretation of the results: for each assay, one determines a threshold cycle (Ct) which is the level of fluorescence that is considered to be significantly above the background level of fluorescence measured in the early cycles of the amplification. The Ct value is inversely proportional to the concentration of target: the lower the Ct, the higher the concentration of target.

In the following tables, CT=Threshold Cycle; RFU max=maximal Relative Fluorescence Units observed at the end of the PCR run; CTL−=negative control; N/A=sample whose level of fluorescence is below the background level.

TABLE 1 Results obtained with HIV2 primer pair + HIV2-A molecular beacon probe in experiment a) (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A9a, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 298). Sub-type A A1 1/10 CT 20.2 Samples RFUmax 916 dilution GS 1/800 CT 22 RFUmax 1078 A3 1/10 CT 21.2 RFUmax 1382 A4 1/10 CT 22.4 RFUmax 1221 Sub-type B B1 1/10 CT 42.9 Samples RFUmax 67 dilution B2 1/10 CT 30.9 RFUmax 265 B3 1/10 CT N/A RFUmax 50 B4 1/10 CT 37.8 RFUmax 52 Negative CTL- CT N/A control RFU max N/A

These results are illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Advantageously according to the invention, the HIV2-A probe (SH2A9a, SEQ ID NO: 298) allows for targeted detection of sub-type A positive samples in combination with the HIV2 primers according to the invention (H2A3f, H2A3r, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250), without cross-detection of sub-type B positive samples (see Table 1, and FIGS. 1A and 1B).

TABLE 2 Results obtained with HIV2 primer pair + HIV2-B probe in experiment b) (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A1b, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 301). Sub-type A A1 1/10 CT 35.1 39.5 Samples RFUmax 84 53 dilution GS 1/800 CT 36.8 40.5 RFUmax 81 57 A3 1/10 CT 26.9 26.7 RFUmax 159 137 A4 1/10 CT 44 N/A RFUmax 55 — Sub-type B B1 1/10 CT 21.4 21.5 samples RFUmax 1018 996 B2 1/10 CT 29.6 29.9 RFUmax 286 292 B3 1/10 CT 26.3 27.2 RFUmax 768 690 B4 1/10 CT 27 27.1 RFUmax 832 779 Negative CTL- CT N/A N/A control RFU max N/A N/A

These results are illustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B.

Advantageously according to the invention, the HIV2-B probe (SH2A1b, SEQ ID NO: 301) allows for targeted detection of sub-type B positive samples in combination with the HIV2 primers (H12A3r, H2A3f, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250) of the invention, without cross-detection of sub-type A positive samples (see Table 2, and FIGS. 2A and 2B).

TABLE 3 Results obtained with HIV2 primer pair + HIV2-A probe + HIV2-B probe in experiment c) (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A9a, SH2A1b, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 298, 301). Sub-type A A1 1/10 CT 20.3 20.6 Samples RFU max 1673 1550 dilution GS 1/800 CT 23.7 23.9 RFU max 1709 1580 A3 1/10 CT 21.4 21.5 RFU max 2439 2201 A4 1/10 CT 22.6 22.8 RFU max 1974 1911 Sub-type B B1 1/10 CT 23.3 23.6 samples RFU max 1197 1122 B2 1/10 CT 30.2 30.5 RFU max 635 672 B3 1/10 CT 28.6 28.7 RFU max 814 834 B4 1/10 CT 28.7 28.8 RFU max 837 841 Negative CTL- CT N/A N/A control RFU max N/A N/A

These results are illustrated by FIG. 3.

As a remarkable feature of the invention, the HIV2-A probe (SH2A9a, SEQ ID NO: 298) and the HIV2-B probe (SH2A1b, SEQ ID NO: 301) can be used simultaneously (see Table 3 and FIG. 3) and allow for detection of both sub-types in a one-step multiplex (here duplex) procedure.

As a surprising feature, a synergistic effect is observed for the simultaneous use of both A and B probes (sub-type A probe and sub-type B probe) (duplex protocol), compared to the use of a single probe alone (sub-type A probe or sub-type B probe). The detection signal obtained with a single probe is slightly less accurate than the respectively obtained with both probes, as can be judged from the comparison of the results obtained in experiment a) with those obtained in experiment c) on sub-type A samples, and from the comparison of the results obtained in experiment b) with those obtained on sub-type B samples in experiment c).

The sets of oligonucleotides (primers and probes) according to the invention thus prove an increased specificity when probes are used simultaneously (multiplex, duplex protocol), as a surprising and unexpected synergistic effect

Example 2 HIV1-M/HIV1-O Primers and Probes (FIGS. 4A and 4B)

In one run, representative reference panels of HIV1-M positive HIV1-O negative serum samples (HIV1-M panel samples) and representative reference panels of HIV1-O positive HIV1-M negative serum samples (HIV1-O panel samples) are subjected to real-time quantitative RT-PCR amplification with the HIV1-M primers (H1B4f, H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16) and an HIV1-M probe (SH1BM5, SEQ ID NO: 119) of the invention.

In another run, the same panels are subjected to real-time quantitative RT-PCR amplification with the HIV1-O primers (H1B5f, H1B13r, SEQ ID NO: 140, 168) and a HIV1-O probe (SH1BO2 SEQ ID NO: 191 or SH1B010 SEQ ID N° 194) of the invention

The HIV1 primers and probes have the following sequences:

HIV1-M primers: Forward: (H1B4f, SEQ ID NO: 7) TTGGAGAGCAATGGCTAGTGA Reverse: (H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 16) TGTGTGCAATCTAGTTGCCATA HIV1-M probe: (SEQ ID NO: 110) ATAGTAGCCAGCTGTGATAAATGTC HIV1-O primers: Forward: (H1B5f, SEQ ID NO: 140) TTGGAGAGCACTAGCTAGTGA Reverse: (HIB13r, SEQ ID NO: 168) TGTGTGCAATCTATTTGCCATA HIV1-O probe: (SEQ ID NO: 190) GAAATCATTGCTAGTTGTCCTAAATGTCATAT

According to the invention, each probe is produced here as a molecular beacon, with “TGCGC” as target-unrelated arm in 5′, and with “GCGCA” as target-unrelated arm in 3′ (both arms are underlined). The 5′-arm is labelled with a FAM fluorophore, and the 3′ arm with a Dark Quencher.

Probe sequences are then the following:

HIV1-M probe in a molecular beacon format: (SH1BM5, SEQ ID NO: 119) FAM-TGCGCATAGTAGCCAGCTGTGATAAATGTCGCGCA-DQ HIV1-O probe in a molecular beacon format: (SHIBO2, SEQ ID NO: 191) FAM-TGCGCGAAATCATTGCTAGTTGTCCTAAATGTCATATGCGCA-DQ

Details of the RT-PCR procedure are as follows:

-   -   Panels: BBI Performance Panel reference PRD301 (HIV1-O cultures         diluted in human plasma at about 10⁵ copies per mL; sample         numbers have the format 301-xx, wherein xx is the sample number)         is used as representative HIV1-O panel;     -   BBI Performance Panel reference PRD201 (HIV1-M cultures diluted         in human plasma at about 10⁵ copies per mL; sample numbers have         the format 201-yy, wherein yy is the sample number) is used as         representative HIV1-M panel;     -   Negative controls: HIV1 negative plasma;     -   Extraction: Kit Qiagen QiaAmp Viral RNA (reference 52904) used         in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (volume of         sample for extraction: 140 microliters);     -   Primer pairs: HIV1-O primer pair (H1B5f, H1B13r, SEQ ID NO:         140, 168) and HIV1-M (H1B4f, H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16) primer         pair have each been used at 0.6 μM per reaction;     -   Probes: FAM-Dark Quencher probes (SH1BM5, SH1BO2, SEQ ID NO:         119, 191) at 0.6 μM each per reaction;     -   RT-PCR reagents: RNAse-free water, and Qiagen QuantiTect Probe         RT-PCR kit (Qiagen reference: 204443), used according to the         manufacturer's instructions, [MgCl₂]=4 mM;     -   Apparatus: IQ-Cycler Bio-Rad;     -   Thermal cycling:     -   30′ at 42° C.,     -   15′ at 95° C.,     -   (15″ at 94° C.-30″ at 55° C.-30″ at 72° C.)×50, +4° C.

The same RT-PCR procedure has been followed for both types of amplification experiments.

Interpretation of the results: for each assay, one determines a threshold cycle (Ct) which is the level of fluorescence that is considered to be significantly above the background level of fluorescence measured in the early cycles of the amplification. The Ct value is inversely proportional to the concentration of target: the lower the Ct, the higher the concentration of target.

In the following tables:

CT=Threshold Cycle;

RFU max=maximal Relative Fluorescence Units observed at the end of the PCR run;

CTL−=negative control;

N/A=sample whose level of fluorescence is below the background level;

Avg.: average.

Table 4 below gives illustrative experimental results:

HIV1-M primers HIV1-O primers Group/ and probe and probe Sample Subtype CT Avg CT Avg 201-1 A 37.6 38.3 38.0 44.3 N/A 201-2 B 29.0 29.3 29.2 N/A N/A 201-3 C 37.5 38.8 38.2 N/A N/A 201-4 D 34.1 34.1 34.1 N/A N/A 201-5 E 32.1 35.2 33.7 N/A N/A 201-6 F 28.1 31.0 29.6 N/A N/A 201-7 G 31.9 32.0 32.0 N/A N/A 201-8 H 35.2 35.2 35.2 N/A N/A 201-9 CTL- N/A N/A N/A N/A 301-1 O N/A N/A 32.4 31.8 32.1 301-2 O 41.1 N/A 33.0 32.8 32.9 301-3 O N/A N/A 30.9 31.0 31.0 301-4 O N/A 47.5 N/A 35.7 35.7 Control N/A N/A (water) N/A N/A N/A N/A

The results are illustrated by FIGS. 4A and 4B.

On FIG. 4A, are shown the results obtained with the HIV1-M primers (H1B4f, H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16) and HIV1-M probes (SH1BM5, SEQ ID NO: 119) of the invention on the HIV1-M panel (BBI PRD201), on the HIV1-O panel (BBI PRD301), and on the controls.

On FIG. 4B, are shown the results obtained with the HIV 1-O primers (H1B5f, H1B13r, SEQ ID NO: 140, 168) and HIV1-O probes (SH1BO2, SEQ ID NO: 191) of the invention on the HIV1-O panel, on the HIV1-M panel, and on the controls.

In both cases, no amplification is detected in quantitative real-time RT-PCR when the HIV1-M primers and probes of the invention are used on HIV1-O samples, and conversely.

Advantageously according to the invention, no cross-hybridization occurs between the HIV1-M amplicon and the HIV1-O probes, nor between the HIV1-O amplicon and the HIV1-M probes.

The HIV1-M and HIV 1-O primers and probes according to the invention have thus proven to allow for very high specificity detection in real-time quantitative RT-PCR conditions.

Example 3 HIV1-M and HIV1-O Quantification

This example illustrates that the primers and probes of the invention allows for quantification of HIV viral charge by RT-PCR.

The primers and probes have the following sequences:

HIV1-M primers: Forward: (H1B4f, SEQ ID NO: 7) TTGGAGAGCAATGGCTAGTGA Reverse: (H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 16) TGTGTGCAATCTAGTTGCCATA HIV1-M probe: (SEQ ID NO: 110) ATAGTAGCCAGCTGTGATAAATGTC HIV1-O primers: Forward: (H1B5f, SEQ ID NO: 140) TTGGAGAGCACTAGCTAGTGA Reverse: (HIB13r, SEQ ID NO: 168) TGTGTGCAATCTATTTGCCATA HIV1-O probe: (SEQ ID NO: 190) GAAATCATTGCTAGTTGTCCTAAATGTCATAT

According to the invention, each probe is in this case produced as a molecular beacon, with “TGCGC” as target-unrelated arm in 5′, and with “GCGCA” as target-unrelated arm in 3′ (both arms are underlined). The 5′ arm is labelled with a FAM fluorophore, and the 3′ arm with a Dark Quencher.

Probe sequences are thus as follows (beacon arms are shown underlined):

HIV1-M probe in a molecular beacon format: (SH1BM5, SEQ ID NO: 119) FAM-TGCGCATAGTAGCCAGCTGTGATAAATGTCGCGCA-DQ HIV1-O probe in a molecular beacon format: (SHIBO2, SEQ ID NO: 191) FAM-TGCGCGAAATCATTGCTAGTTGTCCTAAATGTCATATGCGCA-DQ

Details of the RT-PCR procedure are as follows:

-   -   Panels:         -   BBI Performance Panel reference PRD301 (HIV1-O cultures             diluted in human plasma at about 10⁵ copies per mL; sample             numbers have the format 301-xx, wherein xx is the sample             number) is used as representative HIV1-O panel;         -   BBI Performance Panel reference PRD201 (HIV1-M cultures             diluted in human plasma at about 10⁵ copies per mL; sample             numbers have the format 201-yy, wherein yy is the sample             number) is used as representative HIV1-M panel, and             corresponds to several different genotypes of the HIV1-M             subtype;         -   BBI Accurun 315 panel series 500 (sub-type B) is used as a             reference panel to produce the reference standard curve,             constructed by plotting the log of known target             concentrations against the corresponding Ct. The             concentration of an unknown sample is then defined by             mapping the corresponding Ct to the standard curve;         -   Negative controls: HIV1 negative plasma;         -   Extraction: Kit Qiagen QiaAmp Viral RNA (reference 52904)             used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations             (volume of sample for extraction: 140 microliters);         -   Primer pairs: HIV1-O primer pair (SEQ ID NO: 7, 8) and             HIV1-M primer pair (SEQ ID NO: 1, 2) have each been used at             0.6 microM per reaction;         -   Probes: FAM-Dark Quencher probes (SEQ ID NO: 4, 10), 0.2             microM each per reaction;     -   RT-PCR reagents: RNAse-free water, and Qiagen QuantiTect Probe         RT-PCR kit (Qiagen reference: 204443), according to the         manufacturer's instructions, [MgCl₂] 4 mM;         -   Apparatus: IQ-Cycler Bio-Rad;         -   Thermal cycling:         -   30′ at 42° C. (RT step),         -   15′ at 95° C. (polymerase activation step),         -   (15″ at 94° C.-30″ at 55° C.-30″ at 72° C.)×50, +4° C.

Two series of amplification experiments are performed with the primers and probes of the invention:

-   -   a) RT-PCR with a single pair of primers and probes (HIV1-M         primer pair (H1B4f, H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16) and HIV1-M probe         (SH1BM5, SEQ ID NO: 119);     -   b) RT-PCR with both pairs of primers and both probes (HIV1-M         primer pair (H1B4f, H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16)+HIV1-O primer pair         (H1B5f, H1B13r, SEQ ID NO: 140, 168) and HIV1-M probe (SH1BM5,         SEQ ID NO: 119)+HIV1-O probe (SH1B02, SEQ ID NO: 191)).

The Ct results of each assay are used for the quantification of panels PRD201 and PRD301 by mapping the corresponding Ct to the standard curve. The quantification values corresponding to the number of RNA copies/ml in each pure sample are compared with commercially-available kits used in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations: kit Amplicor HIV1 Monitor Version 1.5 from Roche (ref 87674), kit Quantiplex HIV1 RNA 3.0 bDNA from Bayer (ref 6147) and kit Nuclisens HIV-1 QT from Organon Teknika (ref 84152).

Representative results are shown in Tables 5 and 6:

TABLE 5 (experiment a): Results obtained a single pair of primers (HIV1-M primer pair, H1B4f, H1B10r, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16) and a single probe (HIV1-M beacon probe, SEQ ID NO: 119) on the HIV1-M sample panel Results copies per mL Sam- Geno- Roche Bayer Organon Invention ple type Amplicor Quantiplex Nuclisens CT Avg. 201-1 A 4.00E+03 3.00E+03 2.00E+03 37.8 2.80E+03 201-2 B 2.00E+05 8.00E+04 2.00E+05 29.2 4.30E+04 201-3 C 2.00E+03 5.00E+03 1.00E+04 36.8 3.90E+03 201-4 D 2.00E+05 1.00E+05 3.00E+05 30.9 2.50E+04 201-5 E 2.00E+05 9.00E+04 6.00E+04 33.9 9.80E+03 201-6 F 5.00E+05 9.00E+04 2.00E+05 28.7 5.00E+04 201-7 G 5.00E+05 8.00E+04 1.00E+05 32.3 1.60E+04 201-8 H 2.00E+05 3.00E+04 9.00E+04 34.7 7.60E+03 201-9 Diluent ND ND ND N/A

It is apparent from these results that the HIV1-M primers and probes of the invention allow for an accurate real-time quantitative detection of all HIV1-M genotypes, and good correlation with the commercially available kits.

TABLE 6 (experiment b): Results obtained with HIV1-M and HIV1-O primers (H1B4f, H1B10r, H1B5f, H1B13r, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16, 140, 168) and HIV1-M and HIV1-O probes (SEQ ID NO: 119, 191) on the HIV1-O sample panel Results copies per mL Sam- Geno- Roche Bayer Organon Invention ple type Amplicor Quantiplex Nuclisens CT Avg. 301-1 O ND 3.00E+02 <LDL 32.1 1.60E+04 301-2 O ND 2.00E+03 <LDL 32.9 1.00E+04 301-3 O ND 8.00E+02 <LDL 31 1.40E+04 301-4 O ND 3.00E+02 <LDL 35.7 2.00E+03 301-5 Diluent ND ND ND N/A

It can be seen from Table 6 that the higher level of quantification on HIV1-0 panel is obtained with both HIV1-M and HIV1-O primers and probes of the invention. (<LDL=less than lower detection limit).

Example 4 HIV1/HIV2 Multiplex Assay (FIGS. 5A and 5B)

This example illustrates that the HIV1 and HIV2 primers and probes of the invention may be used in a multiplex assay for HIV1 or HIV2 signal. It also demonstrates the possibility to follow the fluorescence of two targets in the same tube by use of two different fluorophores (FAM and ROX).

The primers and probes have the following sequences:

HIV1-M primers: Forward: TTGGAGAGCAATGGCTAGTGA (H1b4f, SEQ ID NO: 7) Reverse: TGTGTGCAATCTAGTTGCCATA (GH1B10r, (SEQ ID NO: 16) HIV1-M probe: ATAGTAGCCAGCTGTGATAAATGTC (SEQ ID NO: 110) HIV2 forward primer (H2A3f, SEQ ID NO: 195): AGGAAGRCARACAGCACTCTTC with R = A/G (Tm = 66° C.) HIV2 reverse primer (H2A3r, SEQ ID NO: 250): GGTACTCCRAAGGGGTTTGTTCTAT with R = A/G (Tm = 65°) HIV2-A probe (HIV2-A probe, SEQ ID NO: 297): GGCCAATAACACACTTGCACACA

According to the invention, each probe is in this case produced as a molecular beacon, with “CGCGC” as target-unrelated arm in 5′, and with “GCGCG” as target-unrelated arm in 3′ (both arms are underlined). The 5′ arm is labelled with a FAM or ROX fluorophore, and the 3′ arm with a Dabcyl moiety.

Probe sequences are thus as follows (beacon arms are shown underlined):

HIV1-M probe in a molecular beacon format: (SH1BM10, SEQ ID NO: 128) FAM-CGCGCATAGTAGCCAGCTGTGATAAATGTCGCGCG-Dabcyl HIV2-A probe in a molecular beacon format: ROX-CGCGCGGCCAATAACACACTTGCACACAGCGCG-Dabcyl (HIV2-A beacon probe, SH2A14a, SEQ ID NO: 299)

Details of the RT-PCR procedure are as follows:

-   -   HIV2-A positive sample: obtained from infected patient (Centre         Hospitalier Bichat, Laboratory of Virology, Assistance         Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, France);     -   BBI Accurun 315 panel series 500 (sub-type B);     -   Negative controls: HIV1 and HIV2 negative sample;     -   Extraction: Kit Qiagen QiaAmp Viral RNA (reference 52904) used         in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (volume of         sample for extraction: 140 microliters);     -   Primer pairs: HIV1-M primer pair (SEQ ID NO: 7, 16) and HIV2         primer pair (SEQ ID NO: 195, 250) have been used respectively at         0.5 microM each per reaction for HIV1-M and 0.3 microM each per         reaction for HIV2;     -   Probes: HIV1-M FAM-Dabcyl probe (SEQ ID NO: 128) and HIV2-A ROX         Dabcyl probe (SEQ ID N° 299), 0.4 microM each per reaction;     -   RT-PCR reagents: RNAse-free water, and Qiagen QuantiTect Probe         RT-PCR kit (Qiagen reference: 204443), according to the         manufacturer's instructions, [MgCl₂] 4 mM;     -   Apparatus: IQ-Cycler Bio-Rad;     -   Thermal cycling:     -   30′ at 42° C. (RT step),     -   15′ at 95° C. (polymerase activation step),     -   (15″ at 94° C.-30″ at 55° C.-30″ at 72° C.)×50, +4° C.

Two series of amplification experiments have been performed with the primers and probes of the invention:

-   -   a) RT-PCR with a single pair of primers and probe HIV1-M (H1B4f,         H1B10r, SH1BM10, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16, 119, a single pair of primers         and probe HIV2 (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A14a, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 299)         with a range of HIV1-M target concentrations.     -   b) RT-PCR with a single pair of primers and probe HIV1-M (H1B4f,         H1B10r, SH1BM10, SEQ ID NO: 7, 16, 119), a single pair of         primers and probe HIV2 (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A14a, SEQ ID NO: 195,         250, 299) with a range of HIV2 target dilutions.

Interpretation of the results: for each assay one determines a threshold cycle (Ct) which is the level of fluorescence that is considered to be significantly above the background level of fluorescence measured in the early cycles of the amplification. The Ct value is inversely proportional to the concentration of target: the lower the Ct, the higher the concentration of target.

In the following tables, CT=Threshold Cycle; RFU max=maximal Relative Fluorescence Units observed at the end of the PCR run; CTL−=negative control; N/A=sample whose level of fluorescence is below the background level; Avg=average; cop=copies.

Illustrative Ct results are shown in Table 7: HIV1-M Number HIV2-A cop/PCR CT CT Avg Dilution CT CT Avg 10000 28.2 28.2 28.2 1/300 28.0 27.7 27.9  1000 31.6 31.3 31.5 1/3000 31.9 32.4 32.2  100 35.7 35.7 35.7 1/30000 36.6 36.7 36.7   10 39.4 N/A 39.4 1/300000 40.7 N/A 40.7 CTL- N/A N/A CTL- N/A N/A (water) (water)

Its is apparent from these results that the HIV1 and HIV2 primers and probe of the invention may be used in a multiplex assay for the detection of HIV1-M or HIV2 target.

The results are illustrated by FIGS. 5A and 5B (for each dilution, there are 2 curves since experiments are here carried out in duplicate).

Example 5 HIV2/IC Multiplex Assay (FIGS. 6A and 6B)

This example illustrates that the HIV2 target and internal control (IC) may be co-amplified using the HIV2 primers and probes of the invention and selected IC primers and probe without any perturbation of the HIV2 signal. It also demonstrates the possibility to follow the fluorescence of two targets in the same tube by use of two different fluorophores (ROX and TAMRA)

This example involves the use of one pair of HIV2 primers and one HIV2 probe. These primers and probes target a 147 bp sequence in HIV2 isolates. They have the following sequences:

HIV2 forward primer (H2A3f, SEQ ID NO: 195): AGGAAGRCARACAGCACTCTTC with R = A/G (Tm = 66° C.) HIV2 reverse primer (H2A3r, SEQ ID NO: 250): GGTACTCCRAAGGGGTTTGTTCTAT with R = A/G (Tm = 65°) HIV2-A probe (HIV2-A probe, SEQ ID NO: 297): GGCCAATAACACACTTGCACACA

This example also involves the use of one pair of IC primers and one IC probe, selected to get the same amplified fragment size and GC % than the HIV target.

Each of these probes is used as a molecular beacon in this example. The target-unrelated beacon arms which have been added at each end of the HIV2 probe is shown underlined (ROX=fluorophore; Dabcyl=quencher).

HIV2-A probe in molecular beacon format (HIV2-A beacon probe, SH2A14a, SEQ ID NO: 299): ROX-CGCGCGGCCAATAACACACTTGCACACAGCGCG-Dabcyl

For IC probe, TAMRA has been chosen as fluorophore and Dabcyl as quencher.

Two series of real-time quantitative amplification experiments have been performed:

-   -   a) HIV2 primer pair+HIV2-A beacon probe (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A9a,         SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 299)+IC primers pair+IC beacon probe with         addition of HIV2 target alone;     -   b) HIV2 primer pair+HIV2-A beacon probe (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A9a,         SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 299)+IC primers pair+IC beacon probe with         addition of HIV2 target and IC.         Details of the procedure are as follows:     -   HIV2-A positive sample: obtained from infected patient (Centre         Hospitalier Bichat, Laboratory of Virology, Assistance         Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, France);     -   IC dilution: IC is diluted in order to obtain 10⁶ cop/PCR;     -   Negative controls: HIV2-negative plasma;     -   Nucleic acid extraction: Kit Qiagen QiaAmp Viral RNA         (reference 52904) used in accordance with the manufacturer's         recommendations (volume of sample for extraction=140         microliters);     -   Primer pair: 0.3 microM each per reaction (SEQ ID NO: 11, 12 and         IC primers);     -   Probes: HIV2-A Rox-Dabcyl beacon probe as described above (SEQ         ID n° 299) and IC Tamra-Dabcyl beacon probe, 0.4 microM each per         reaction;     -   RT-PCR reagents: RNAse-free water, and Qiagen QuantiTect Probe         RT-PCR kit (Qiagen reference: 204443) used according to the         manufacturer's instructions, [MgCl₂]=4 mM;     -   Apparatus: IQ-Cycler Bio-Rad;     -   Thermal cycling:         -   30′ at 42° C. (RT step),         -   15′ at 95° C. (polymerase activation step),         -   (30″ at 94° C.-30″ at 55° C.-30″ at 72° C.)×50, +4° C.

HIV2-A positive sample was submitted to nucleic acid extraction and, after dilution to 1/300, 1/3000 and 1/30000 in water to RT-PCR amplification as described in experiments a) and b).

IC dilution was submitted to RT-PCR amplification (around 10⁶ cop/PCR) as described in experiment b). (cop=copies).

Interpretation of results: for each assay is determined a threshold cycle (Ct) which is the level of fluorescence that is considered to be significantly above the background level of fluorescence measured in the early cycles of the amplification. The Ct value is inversely proportional to the concentration of target: the lower the Ct, the higher the concentration of target.

In the following tables, CT=Threshold Cycle; max RFU=maximal Relative Fluorescence Units observed at the end of the PCR run; CTL−=negative control; N/A=sample whose level of fluorescence is below the background level.

TABLE 8 CT values obtained with HIV2 primer pair + HIV2-A beacon probe + IC primer pair + IC beacon probe in experiments a) and b) (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A14a, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 299 for HIV2) when fluorescence of ROX is read (HIV2 signal) Assay HIV2-A 1/300 HIV2-A 1/3000 HIV2-A 1/30000 conditions CT CT CT Avg CT CT CT Avg CT CT CT Avg Exp. a): 25.3 25.4 25.7 25.5 28.8 28.2 28.8 28.6 32.3 33.0 32.7 32.7 HIV2 target Exp. b): 25.4 25.3 25.4 25.4 29.0 20.3 28.7 29.0 33.0 34.1 34.8 34.0 HIV2 target + IC

It can be seen from this table that the HIV2 Ct values did not change with addition of IC, irrespective of the dilution of HIV2-A extracted sample tested ( 1/300, 1/3000, 1/30000).

TABLE 9 CT values obtained with HIV2 primer pair + HIV2-A beacon probe + IC primer pair + IC beacon probe in experiment b) (H2A3f, H2A3r, SH2A14a, SEQ ID NO: 195, 250, 299 for HIV2) when fluorescence of TAMRA is read (IC signal) IC Assay HIV2-A 1/300 HIV2-A 1/3000 HIV2-A 1/30000 conditions CT CT CT Avg CT CT CT Avg CT CT CT Avg Exp. b): 28.5 28.7 28.7 28.6 27.2 27.7 28.0 27.6 27.7 27.7 27.7 27.7 IC + HIV2 target

It can be seen from this table that the IC Ct values are very reproducible irrespective of the dilution of HIV2-A extracted sample added.

These results are illustrated by FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C (for each dilution of HIV2-A, there are 3 curves since experiments are here carried out in triplicate in FIGS. 6A and 6B; there are 6 curves for the negative control; and there are 9 curves for the IC, all with the same concentration on FIG. 6C). 

1. A polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 2 and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2 selected from SEQ ID NO: 306, SEQ ID NO: 307, SEQ ID NO: 308; SEQ ID NO: 4 and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 4 selected from SEQ ID NO: 310, SEQ ID NO: 311; SEQ ID NO: 5 SEQ ID NO: 1 and the fragment thereof of SEQ ID NO: 305; and SEQ ID NO: 3 and the fragment thereof of SEQ ID NO:
 309. 2. An amplicon obtainable by implementation of a process for the detection of at least one HIV target on a HIV-containing sample, wherein said process comprises the step of producing at least one amplicon by means of at least two oligonucleotides, wherein said at least two oligonucleotides are primers which are structurally suitable for specifically amplifying at least one reference template sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 2 and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 2 selected from SEQ ID NO: 306, SEQ ID NO: 307, SEQ ID NO: 308; SEQ ID NO: 4 and the fragments of SEQ ID NO: 4 selected from SEQ ID NO: 310, SEQ ID NO: 311; SEQ ID NO: 5; SEQ ID NO: 1 and the fragment thereof of SEQ ID NO: 305; and SEQ ID NO: 3 and the fragment thereof of SEQ ID NO: 309; wherein said primers are structurally suitable for annealing to said HIV reference isolate at such positions that they target on said HIV reference isolate a sequence, which consists of said reference template sequence, wherein the nucleotide length of said amplicon is the nucleotide length of a polynucleotide of claim
 1. 3. An amplification composition comprising at least one amplicon of claim
 2. 4. The amplicon of claim 2, wherein said process further comprises the step of detecting said amplicon by means of at least one probe.
 5. The amplicon of claim 4, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said at least one probe is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said at least one probe when said at least one probe is not hybridized to said amplicon.
 6. An isolated oligonucleotide suitable for HIV detection, selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 24, 190, 221, 276, 297 and 300, and SEQ ID NOs: 190, 297 and 300, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190, 297 or 300 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190, 297 or 300 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190, 297 or 300 is unhybridized.
 7. The isolated oligonucleotide of claim 6 consisting of SEQ ID NO:
 24. 8. The isolated oligonucleotide of claim 6, selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 190; and SEQ ID NO: 190, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 is unhybridized.
 9. The isolated oligonucleotide of claim 6 consisting of SEQ ID NO:
 221. 10. The isolated oligonucleotide of claim 6 consisting of SEQ ID NO:
 276. 11. The isolated oligonucleotide of claim 6, wherein said oligonucleotide is fluorescently labelled.
 12. A set of oligonucleotides, comprising at least two oligonucleotides selected from a first group consisting of: the oligonucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 12, the oligonucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, and an oligonucleotide selected from a second group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 118, and SEQ ID NO: 118, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 118 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 118 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 118 is unhybridized, wherein said set specifically detects HIV.
 13. A set of oligonucleotides, comprising at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 190 and SEQ ID NO: 190, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 is unhybridized, wherein said set specifically detects HIV.
 14. A set of oligonucleotides, comprising at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 221; SEQ ID NO: 276; SEQ ID NO: 297; and SEQ ID NO: 297, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 is unhybridized, wherein said set specifically detects HIV.
 15. A set of oligonucleotides, comprising at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 221; SEQ ID NO: 276; SEQ ID NO: 300; and the oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 300, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 300 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 300 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 300 is unhybridized, wherein said set specifically detects HIV.
 16. A set of oligonucleotides, comprising at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 190; SEQ ID NO: 297; SEQ ID NO: 300; and SEQ ID NO: 190, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 190 is unhybridized; SEQ ID NO: 297, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 is unhybridized; and SEQ ID NO: 300, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 300 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 300 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 300 is unhybridized; wherein said set specifically detects HIV.
 17. A set of oligonucleotides according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein at least one of said oligonucleotides is fluorescently labelled.
 18. An amplicon obtainable by amplification from a HIV-containing sample with a pair of primers selected from: a primer of SEQ ID NO: 12 and a primer of SEQ ID NO: 24; or a primer of SEQ ID NO: 221 and a primer of SEQ ID NO:
 276. 19. An amplicon, which has a nucleotide length identical to the nucleotide length of a polynucleotide of claim 1, and which comprises a sequence having a percentage of nucleotide identity of at least 90% with a probe sequence, over the entire length of this probe sequence, wherein this probe sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 118, 190, 297, 300 and the sequences, which are complementary to these probe SEQ ID NO: sequences over the entire length of these probe SEQ ID NO: sequences.
 20. An amplification composition comprising the amplicon of claim 18 or
 19. 21. A kit comprising: a. at least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 24, 190, 221, 276, 297 and 300; and/or b. at least one set of oligonucleotides of any one of claims 12-16, wherein at least one of the oligonucleotides of said at least one set is optionally fluorescently labelled; and c. optionally, instructions for the use thereof, wherein said kit is for HIV diagnostics.
 22. The isolated oligonucleotide of claim 6, selected from the group consisting of: the oligonucleotides of SEQ ID NOs: 297 and 300; and the oligonucleotides of SEQ ID NOs: 297 and 300, wherein each of the 5′ and 3′ ends of said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 or 300 is directly linked to an oligonucleotide of 5-10 nucleotides, said 5′ end oligonucleotide and said 3′ end oligonucleotide being hybridized together and imparting a hairpin structure to said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 or 300 when said sequence of SEQ ID NO: 297 or 300 is unhybridized.
 23. The isolated oligonucleotide of claim 6, wherein said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 24 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 16-23 and/or said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 221 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 195-220 and/or said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 276 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 250-275.
 24. The set of oligonucleotides of claim 12, wherein said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 12 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 10-11 and/or said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 24 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 16-23 and/or said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 118 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 110-117.
 25. The set of oligonucleotides of claim 14, wherein said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 221 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 195-220 and/or said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 276 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 250-275.
 26. The set of oligonucleotides of claim 15, wherein said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 221 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 195-220 and/or said oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 276 is one of SEQ ID NOs: 250-275. 